Say hello to the latest hard-sided travel collection from the best four-lettered luggage maker around. Tumi Tegra-Lite Luggage ($600-$800) is made from Tegris, a unique polypropylene thermoplastic composite material that was originally designed for use in armor, NASCAR rides, and protective football gear, but is now available to use its lightweight properties and incredible impact resistance for protecting your clothes and gear. It doesn't look too shabby, either.
Start your beach holiday preparations early with the Travelteq Travel Towel (€95; roughly $120). Handmade in Amsterdam, this upscale beach towel is crafted from Irish linen, which allows it to be lighter, 20 times more absorbent, faster-drying, and softer than traditional beach towels, while also boasting dual pockets in a contrasting color that are large enough for swimwear, an iPad case, book, and wallet, or anything else you think you might need. Available in navy with light blue pockets, or light blue with navy pockets.
The Killspencer Dopp Folio ($150-$190) does double duty as a carrier for both your grooming and gadget arsenal. Available in four different leather or canvas versions, the Dopp Folio, as its name implies, transforms from a dopp kit that you can pack with your toiletries into a folio for your iPad or 11-inch MacBook Air, and a few other necessities.
Pack lighter and smarter with this Roll Up Travel Charger ($35). Compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod, and capable of charging up to four devices at once, this compact charger offers Apple 30-pin, Mini USB, Micro USB, and Samsung charging connectors, all of which sprout from a tube that rolls up into a slip-proof polyurethane mat and connects to power using a single wall wart, leaving the other outlet open for your razor, laptop, or travel-sized blacklight wand to check the room for unwanted "surprises".
The Los Angeles based craftsmen at Refined Hardware have finally released their second edition of luxury timepieces. These industrial conceptions are the ideal extension for the modern man, and follow the highly sought after, and sold-out, 'P1' edition. The 'P2' will showcase a flying tourbillon movement encased in your choice of billet stainless steel, PVD black steel, or a hand-finished bronze. A necessity for any connoisseur, only 33 pieces of each variant will be crafted so you better order yours today.
Stay powered up whether you're in the car or cafe with the Ray Solar Charger ($40). It sports a suction cup surround for sticking it to the inside of your windshield, and for when you're working from a non-moving seat, Ray has a built-in kickstand that tilts to grab the maximum amount of sunlight. [Scouted by Kyle]
A good umbrella is a must for those of us who live in places where it isn't sunny 340 days a year, and as carriers of the company's Solo model, we can assure you that the Davek Elite Umbrella ($150) qualifies. The high-end umbrella company's take on the cane umbrella, the Elite features a 50-inch arc-diameter canopy, a top-grain leather handle, a wind-tension frame system for resistance to high winds, a fiberglass shaft, an auto-open button system, and classy zinc metal accents.
When you're travelling with glasses — reading glasses included — the more compact they become, the better. And these Tumi Compatto Travel Reading Glasses ($125) are some of the most compact we've ever seen. Thanks to a patent pending frame design, the Compatto features unique nose pads that hold the flexible beta titanium temples in place for compact storage, photochromic lenses that darken on exposure to UV light, and a carbon graphite frame front for the lightest weight possible.
Tumi and Ducati have collaborated on luggage before, but never has the result been so... colorful. The new Tumi Ducati Collection ($TBA) includes a variety of bright red bags, featuring three red travel cases made with Tumi's multi-layer ABS polycarbonate material, nylon front panels, and aluminum handles, two duffel bags, and one backpack/crossbody bag. No word yet on how to get the bags to the airport aboard a Ducati, but we're sure you'll figure something out.
They're not flashy, but that's the point. These Muji Hard Carry Suitcases ($240) come in black, gray, or khaki, and feature 72 liters of interior space — good for a week's worth of stuff — durable, lightweight polycarbonate construction, internal compression straps and zippered mesh pouches, an included TSA-approved lock, and 360-degree turning wheels with an adjustable carry bar. Ryan Bingham would approve.
Whether you're heading out on a mountain bike excursion or simply wanting to save on taxi fare while abroad, the Helium Bike Case ($600) will keep your two-wheeled transport safe and secure until you reach your destination. Designed to be plane, train, and bus friendly, the Helium features inflatable padding for protection, enough interior space for your frame plus two sets of wheels — each of which is secured by a proprietary anchoring system — and a separate compartment for storing the included pump.
Get good sound wherever you end up with the Tumi Travel Speaker ($125). The gunmetal table top speaker uses surfaces to amplify sound, creating "dynamic sounds and deep, rich bass tones on virtually any hard surface." Also comes with the requisite protective carrying case.
This content series is brought to you by Intel AppUp℠. Find free and paid apps for your lifestyle. Get started.
If you care more about the safety of your cargo and less about the flashiness of your luggage, check out the Hideo Wakamatsu Tarpaulin Check-In Trolley ($225). Made from water- and shred-resistant tarpaulin, this 25-inch pull-behind — a smaller 19-inch version ($190) is also available — this lightweight bag sports dual exterior and interior zippered pockets, water repellent zippers, adjustable straps around the sides to accomodate larger loads, and silent running wheels to keep it from sounding like you're stepping on a mouse once every five feet, also known as "terminal squeal."